The City Government of Naga showcased its initiatives in advancing startup acceleration at the Bicol Beach Startup Summit 2025 held on March 28-29, 2025 at Port Alfred, San Jose, Camarines Sur.
The summit, themed “The Rising Tide: Empowering Startups, Strengthening Communities, ” was opened in the afternoon by Ms. Krizia Francine Coronel, the Economic and Market Research Officer of the Investment and Tourism and Promotions Office (ITPO). She highlighted the Naga City Digital Innovation and Startup Development Program, which anchors the city’s efforts to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem.
Key topics discussed were the LGU’s startup strategies, the institutionalization of startup programs through City Ordinance 2020-16 and 2021-057, establishing the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), and providing startup financing through the Digital Innovation Fund. The city also introduced support initiatives for young innovators, including the Idea2Startup program for students.
These concerted efforts have contributed to Naga City’s growing global recognition. In the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, Naga rose 73 spots—from 904th to 831st—placing it among the top 1,000 startup cities worldwide. It is one of only five cities in the Philippines to be included, along with Manila, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. Additionally, Naga was also recently recognized as the 3rd Most Competitive Component City in Innovation in the latest Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
As an active player in the industry, the City Government of Naga, through the IITPO, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting events like the Bicol Beach Startup Summit that served as an avenue to form networks, exchange insights, and discuss opportunities for the community.
The Bicol Beach Startup Summit, organized by BEECall TBI, is a dynamic and innovative event that aims to bring together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
This two-day event highlights innovative workshops, startup showcases, expert-led panel discussions, and networking nights, wherein it was attended by different speakers, innovators, partner agencies such as DTI Camsur, and startup founders in the Bicol region. Google Cloud was also present in the event who showcased real-time interaction with AI.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Coronel emphasized the city’s belief in innovation as a community-driven endeavor:
“Naga City is built on community and people. It is also built on dreams and aspirations. Innovation is the product of an empowered community. Change Makers and dreamers are the foundation of a sustainable ecosystem.”
Written by Angelica May C. Clarito | ITPO
